REVIEW: Tempting the Marquess by Sara Lindsay

This is my first Sara Lindsey book, and while it is a pleasant read, it isn’t one of those that wowed me, that made me sigh when I finally closed the book. This is the second edition in the Westin Family series and I don’t think I missed a lot not reading the first book, but I do think it would have helped, however, in getting the family dynamics in my head better, because there are plenty of references to Livvy’s participation in bringing her sister and the hero together in Promise Me Tonight.

The first part of this book goes along very, very slow. Olivia, named for the Shakespeare character from Twelfth Night because her mother is a bard fanatic, has finagled her way on a trip to Wales with her Aunt Kate to visit her stepson for the Christmas holidays. Said stepson is now in Livvy’s sights after finding a diary from his late wife and knowing the man has cut himself off from society and love due to his loss. Livvy is determined to help him out of his quagmire so he can enjoy life and live again. She is also intrigued by the rumors that Jason’s home is haunted.

Jason is certainly deeply buried in emotion, but it’s not quite what Livvy thinks. He’s disillusioned, rude, and just wants to be left alone with his son. He’s not the hurt and lonely man she envisions. She’s not about to be dissuaded, however. So she stays true to her course trying to pull Jason out of his self-imposed reclusiveness. Their verbal sparring and banter is fun, though Livvy’s immaturity does show from time to time. But Jason enjoys these moments, bringing out a sense of fun he hasn’t had in his life for a while now. For me these moments are too few and far between to keep my interest in this couple high or Livvy’s young age will pop up again, pulling me out of the story.

Jason and Livvy each come to their own realizations of their feelings for the other, denial following, then impossibility quickly descends, and finally the inevitability of love has to be faced with their eyes wide open. Livvy’s decision to tell Jason how she came to be in his home comes a tad too late, he discovers her deceit as he’s discovering her, and the good that has been between them disintegrates. He’s had enough of deceitful women in his life, so no matter how he feels about Livvy, it’s just not to be for them.

I didn’t mind Jason’s attitude toward Livvy and women in general – it’s a product of his times – and he bucks up when it’s called for. It’s Livvy’s youngness that got to me most of all, she’s constantly in trouble even when she’s trying to help. The story would be going along at a nice pace and suddenly I found myself rolling my eyes at her. Though I did enjoy her eagerness and inquisitiveness when it comes to sex, and Jason is more than happy to oblige her. I’m not sure if not reading the first book in the series would change anything for me, but it might have perhaps if I’d known Livvy a little better before this book, since she’s a sticking point for me. I did, though, enjoy the scenes with Jason’s son and Livvy. She will eventually make a great wife and mother with some age behind her.

However, if you’re looking for a light and fun historical read, you’ll probably have a good time with this one.

Grade: C

Summary:

The Weston siblings have been blessed with Shakespearean names and an affinity for impropriety. Prepare to fall in love while discovering how the Westons are won.

While Olivia Weston loves matchmaking and romantic novels, she intends to make a suitable match. But first she wants an adventure, and when given the opportunity to visit a reclusive widower living in a haunted castle, Livvy can’t possibly resist.

After his wife’s death, Jason Traherne, Marquess of Sheldon, shut his heart to everyone but his son, and until now he has succeeded in maintaining his distance. But there’s something about Livy – her unique blend of sweetness and sensuality – that tempts him beyond all reason.

Though there’s nothing suitable about the feelings he inspires in her, Livvy can’t help falling for the marquess. But can she persuade him to let go of the past and risk his heart again?

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2 Comments

Kim
on January 15, 2011 at 12:30 pm

I read both books and I think you did miss something by not reading the first novel. I don’t mean background, but Promise Me Tonight was a better book. I agree with you that something was missing in this one. I just couldn’t quite get into Livvy liking the man without ever really meeting him, except through a diary. When reading the first book, I assumed the step-mother was close in age with Jason and thought they might be a couple. I think that might have worked better than Jason and Livvy. If you get a chance to read Promise Me Tonight, try it. This author can definitely write, but Tempting the Marquess didn’t quite work.

Sandy M
on January 17, 2011 at 2:33 pm

Thanks, Kim. It’s interesting to hear your take on a different heroine for Jason. That might have worked better for me too, just because of Livvy’s age. That’s a huge sticking point for me. I will definitely scare up a copy of Promise Me Tonight.